Alzheimer’s disease is the second most feared disease for Canadians as they age. And with nearly 27,000 Vernon residents 50 years of age or older according to the latest census, dementia is becoming a pressing health issue locally. To help residents, the non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. brings its free workshop, Getting to Know Dementia, to Vernon on Nov. 23.
“Participants will receive basic information on dementia and the impact it has on the individual, their caregivers, and their support network,” said Carly Gronlund, the society’s support and education coordinator for Vernon and the Central Okanagan.
The introductory session reviews the challenges of receiving a diagnosis of dementia. Participants will learn about the different types of support available throughout the dementia journey, how to begin planning for the future and strategies for living well. People with a diagnosis of dementia, caregivers and family members are all invited to attend. The workshop is not intended for the general public or health-care providers.
It runs from 1 to 3 p.m. at The People Place, 3402-27th Ave. Pre-registration is required. For information and to register, contact Gronlund at 250-860-0305 (toll-free 1-800-634-3399) or cgronlund@alzheimerbc.org.
The workshop is free thanks to partial funding from the Province of BC, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., Pfizer Canada Inc., Seacliff Foundation, Lohn Foundation, Colin & Lois Pritchard Foundation, Djavad Mowafaghian Foundation and through the contributions of individual donors.
For more information on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias visit www.alzheimerbc.org.
